T H E R A P I E S

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is about helping people live healthier, fuller lives naturally. While typically thought of as treatment for the spine, chiropractic care actually focus more on the nervous system, the "master control" system of the body. Simply stated, chiropractic care centers on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

The nervous system is a communication pathway made up of the brain, spinal cord, and all the body's nerves. The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain, and the moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

When the nervous system is operating properly, our bodies are designed to be self-regulating, self-healing organisms. Every cell, tissue, and organ is in constant communication with the brain, conveying its current status. If an organ is in distress, the brain communicates back to the body how to react to that distress in order to return the body to normal.

All of this communication between the brain and the body occurs through the sets of nerves which exit between each vertebrae. If the lines of communication on any of these nerves is interfered with or cut off, problems arise--including chronic pain, premature joint degeneration, and overall decreased health and quality of life.

Injuries, over-exertion, improper sleep positions, poor posture, lack of exercise, stress or tension, toxins, or inherited spinal weakness can cause misalignment of the vertebrae that places pressure on the delicate nerve roots. These displacements of the spinal bones, known as vertebral subluxations, cause stress to the nerves of the spinal cord and can result in malfunctions in tissues and organs throughout the body. Even slight misalignments in the spine may alter the regular transmission of nerve impulses, preventing the afflicted portion of the body from responding with its full inherent capacity.

The science of chiropractic care uses painless, manual ad- justments to the vertebral column to correct alignment problems and remove pressure and irritation on the spinal nerve roots. Once the spine and nervous system's integrity has been restored, the body's own natural healing power can then return the individual to health. Chiropractic is the largest natural healthcare discipline in the world and emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

What to expect at a Chiropractic Exam

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) begins his or her examination by taking the patient's history, including family history, diet, work and lifestyle-related factors. A physical exam uses palpations of the spinal column to find possible subluxations and evaluate muscle strength and possible postural and structural problems. Chiropractors often use x-rays to locate subluxations and to rule out any conditions that would preclude treatment. Once treatment commences, adjustments are done with the patient lying or sitting on a specially constructed table that conforms to body contours.

PSYCHOLOGY

ACUPUNCTURE

What to Expect

During your first acupuncture treatment you can expect a full review of your medical history. In addition to filling out paperwork there will be an extensive health interview. Your initial visit to the office may be slightly longer to make sure we appropriately tend to your personal needs. In addition to to asking you questions we will also do a tongue and pulse diagnosis. These are key parts of Chinese Medical Diagnosis.

At session at Balance you will often be asked how a certain point on the body feels after pressure is applied. This combined with many other traditional techniques will give each patient a unique experience not to be found anywhere else.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a collection of procedures involving penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points on the body. In its classical form it is a characteristic component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It has been categorized as a complementary health approach. According to traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of Qi through channels known as meridians.

Cupping

Therapeutic cupping, also known as Cupping Therapy, it is an ancient part of Chinese Medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin, this mobilizes the blood flow.

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture uses the same points as acupuncture, and operates on a similar principle. The difference is that the needles are attached to a device that sends electrical currents or pulses into the body. Electrical currents have stimulating effects, which can influence the blood, energy, cells, tissues and entire systems. While most electrotherapy techniques are transcutaneous, only allowing the electricity to flow over the skin, EA channels it into the body with pinpoint precision

Electroacupuncture has shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions. Although most commonly used for chronic pain, muscle spasms and neurological issues, it can be used to activate a variety of systems within the body and be used to treat many conditions. These conditions range from heart disease, hypertension, nausea, weight gain and even skin problems.